In this episode of Conversations on Careers and Professional Life, I share some advice on reframing how you think about “networking” and asking for help.
- Move beyond the idea of collecting contacts
- Focus on building genuine relationships and learning from others
- Nurture connections over time for mutual benefit
- Understand that asking for help can actually benefit the person helping you
- Overcome the fear of being a burden when seeking assistance
- Strengthen relationships by showing trust and vulnerability
- Recognize that your network includes all communities you’re part of
- Look for professional opportunities in unexpected places (e.g., school events, volunteer activities)
“Real networking is about building relationships. It’s about getting to know people, learning from them, and creating genuine connections.”
Action Steps for Listeners
- Reflect on recent interactions: What can you learn from someone you’ve met recently? What could you offer them?
- Practice asking for help: Reach out to someone in your network for assistance this week
- Map your communities: List all the different groups you’re a part of and consider how they might connect to your professional life
Check out out the books, Designing Your Life or Designing Your Work Life by Bill Burnet and Dave Evans, All You Have to Do is Ask by Wayne Baker, and Give and Take by Adam Grant.